Appearance

Physical Description

Not particularly well built, scrawny and rather short for his age.

Body Features

Possesses a scar on his forehead caused by a fatal piercing wound from the blade of the vampire Count Hauken zu Kozhylav, making it apparent he has been ressurrected at least once, to anyone with decent medical knowledge.

Facial Features

Pale blue eyes contrasting with darker hair and mildly sun tanned skin.

Identifying Characteristics

He is always seen wearing an exquisitely crafted suit of bronze half plate, with a single, dragon head shaped pauldron on the shoulder

Apparel & Accessories

A well crafted set of bronze half-plate armour with elements of scales and a dragon-head pauldron. All worn under a dark brown or black cloak and shawl.

Special abilities

Able to summon weapons and a shield through the use of the eidolon of Vira Zhe-Vorn. Also able to manifest various spells.

Mentality

Personal history

He never knew his real parents, only the overworked and apathetic caretakers of the run-down orphanage he grew up in. In his formative years, he was introduced to a harsh reality, local gangs would recruit orphaned children for small-time theft and confidence work and Francis was no exception. He learned quick and became relatively known in this small circle as a kid with some potential. The gangs of Koriapoli were not the only ones to recognise this potential however, it was caught also by a visiting archaeologist and eccentric collector from the famous sky-city, by the name of Achteros De Regne. When he happened across one of Francis' confidence acts, he was able to see through the ruse, but recognised the quick wit of the young boy, no older than 12, and by that very night had filled in the necessary paperwork to adopt him. From then on, Francis worked in a semi-official capacity as something between a page and an assistant, while being educated and tutored in how to read and write the common tongue. During this time, he developed an enthusiasm for reading, devouring much of the contents of Achteros' personal library. Away from the fight to survive he waged on Koriapoli's streets, Francis wholly enjoyed the peaceful life he lived in Symachali, growing to see Achteros as a kind and loving father figure rather than a strange but generous employer. It was not to last however.
 
After three tranquil years, Francis was woken one night by the shattering of glass. Men had stolen into his home in the dead of night, blades drawn. Recalling years of practice, Francis slinked past the intruders as they searched, getting into the gallery where a basement hatch could lead him to safety. Then he heard shouting, and a blast of arcane fire sent the intruders flying, Achteros burst into the gallery, and with a flick of his wrist, shattered the glass of one case to retrieve it's contents. As the attackers gathered themselves, he slid one item, an ornate brass khopesh of ancient design, across the floor and said, 'Run, she'll keep you safe.' Panicked and scared, Francis took it and slid through the hatch, only to hear it lock itself behind him. Distraught, he stopped and hammered on the hatch, begging for Achteros to follow him out of there, only stopping when smoke began to seep through, forcing him outside though the cramped basement windows. Alone and homeless, Francis slept in a gutter that night, for the first time in 3 years. Scavenging what he could from the ashes of his home, he kept a battered suit of brass scale mail and an old shield, and pawned off the rest. With nothing else for him in Symachali, he used his tuppence to book passage on a sky ship to Koriapoli, where old acquaintances remained. On that ship, as he crossed the cerulean expanse of the Maelmathar ocean, he heard the voice for the first time. It explained it had slept for many years within the blade Francis now carried, and that it was but one part of a great whole called Vira Zhe-Vorn. Her memory was fractured but over time would heal. Vira was an ancient brass dragon, who once ruled a great land but had her soul sundered and sealed away. She offered her tutelage and the patronage of her eidolon, and asked nothing in return, but nonetheless, Francis pledged he would seek a way to reforge her, to repay her kindness.
 
Arriving back in Koriapoli, Francis fell back into old habits hard. Though he'd intended only to use his old gang contacts to look up leads on his assailants from that night, an old orphanage friend's request brought him back into the game. Denner Kori, the friend in question, had joined the underworld under Francis' own recommendation after all, and over three years was now a feared lieutenant in a gang no one really thought had been going anywhere. For 2 years they ran together, carving a name among the small time bands of Koriapoli's underworld until one botched break in. The target was a moderately wealthy magic merchant. At the sound of his traps, he awoke, and began slinging spells at the criminals in his home. Francis's memory fails him at that moment, but he recalled the panic, a quick lunge with his khopesh, and the body slumped upon the floor. With that, Francis seemingly changed, he ghosted his old friends and took to travelling, taking protection jobs and pickpocketing when he ran low on funds. In his mind he'd become no different from the men who killed his father. Eventually, he took a job to protect a young Symachalian student. She apparently came from money, the esteemed Von Morrow family, a welcome change of pace, and the skyship tickets came with the job, it beat paying full price, that was sure...

Education

Taught to read and write common by his adopted father Achteros De Regne, then later taught draconic by the spirit of Vira Zhe-Vorn

Employment

Employed by local street gangs over the last 5 years

Accomplishments & Achievements

Was involved in the death of Lomvani Montisorri. A notable oligarch in Chovosi, who was on the payroll of Lliochydyl and Queen Arysaphne Ebyvarr.
 
Joined Holden McAbe in hunting down renegade members of his old bandit gang. Managed to capture most of them with relatively few casualties.
 
Resolved a feud between Count Peranza of Gygraw and a pair of Woods Walkers. A non-violent resolution was sought on Francis' suggestion.
 
Helped to slay the Vampire Count Hauken Kozhylav, and claimed his blade after being saved from its terrible abilities by Prince Levi Drakos.
 
Took part in the coup d'etat which resulted from the battle of Dymaeth, which saw the end of the Cleabari civil war as the new King Obaaz Ebyvar usurped his mother Arasaphyne and surrendered to the Sothate.
 
During the battle of Dymaeth, was able to prevent a red dragon unleashed by the Sothate from rampaging upon innocent civilians.
 
During a visit to Bergholst, manages to save Stahl Drakos and his wife from drowning in the aftermath of a terrorist attack targeting the whole royal family.
 
Duelled Tyson for a brief moment to defend Levi's integrity. Didn't win, but didn't die.

Failures & Embarrassments

Failed to minimise deaths among Lomvani's followers after his death in Chovosi when he was nearly killed by their new leader.
 
Underreacted to Tesse's condition as it was described and took no precautions. This led to two deaths in Bzlau. He will not make that mistake again.
 
During the battle of Dymaeth, Francis was pressed by the strength of the palace guard, and fell back upon an indiscriminate magic which killed a score of men. He hopes never to have to use such magic again, and has asked Vira to seal the ability from his access.
 
At the climax of the battle of Dymaeth, Francis failed to realise the danger of Arasaphyne's plan, and didn't recognise the dagger he had been warned about, the tooth of Thassal, until it was too late. As a result, Thassal was released and Kalytris, the sun itself was partially devoured. Millions of lives might be lost across the world because of this.

Mental Trauma

Left scarred by Achteros' murder, mostly driven by the desire for revenge, though after 5 years is doubting if such a thing is even possible.
 
After so many momentous failures in the past few months, Francis is more and more determined to make what he sees as a tangible positive impact on the world. This will likely drive him to be more self-sacrificing.

Intellectual Characteristics

Quite intelligent, has taken to studying lore on the fallen kingdom of Vira Zhe-Vorn, alongside gathering knowledge of the current state of the world wherever he can at the behest of his patron.

Morality & Philosophy

For the majority of his life, Francis has been stealing and hiding as part of the criminal underworld. Soon after joining the thieves guilds, he killed someone for the first time. It taught him that if his life truly depended on it, he'd do what he must, but he would never go out of his way to end a life. He always tries to look for a way to spare those who could have a second chance.

person.sexuality

Asexual

person.gender_identity

Male

Taboos

Has never taken pleasure in the ending of a life, and refuses to do so.
This taboo was broken with the death of Hauken Kozhylav, who had struck a fatal blow to him before he was resurrected by Levi.

Known Languages

Common and Draconic, though a noticeably older form of the latter. He is also capable of translating all written language, he's quite proud of this.
He was taught some Irusane sign language by his companion Aqueel before he passed on.

Personality

Motivation

Motivated in the current moment with simply finding out who it was who attacked his home 5 years ago, chasing rumors which may help.
 
Following said rumours will lead him soon to Begessa, where a masked figure awaits tied to the shadowy organisation Lliochydyl.
 
Seeking a cure for the degradation of his soul brought about by his ad hoc resurrection by Glaum.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Versed in criminal ways, with a keen eye and a sharp mind.
 
Self sacrificing in his need to do good, and prone to lapses in moral judgement when under stress.

Likes & Dislikes

Holds an intense hatred for those who would force dishonest counsel upon the naive, such as those who inducted him into gangs from an early age.
 
Likes anyone with the courage to try to help, even at cost to themselves.

Virtues & Personality perks

Through Vira's mentor-ship, Francis has been trying to overcome his more dishonest habits.

Vices & Personality flaws

Has broken his taboos and defied his morality on occasion when his life has been on the line.

Social

Birthplace

Koriapoli - Osdraemos

Contacts & Relations

Denner Kori, a prominent gang member in Koriapoli, havent checked in in a few years. He can't be too happy that I ditched him and the gang again.
Levi Drakos, a Berghotch prince, on good terms after he saved my life and I saved those of his mother and father.
Morningstar Von Morrow, a naïve Symachalian student, with an influential family. Her mother in Symachali seems to be in danger, we'll do everything we can.
Nychton, an ex-woods walker, reserved and a bit intimidating, he seems to respect me, he's also hiding something. I owe him my life for stepping between me and Tyson.
Tesse, a young girl, about my age, touched by a hag, she can't control herself when it takes control, she's proven to be dangerous, I will not let her kill anyone again, I'll kill her myself if it comes down to it.
Aqeel, an ancient machine with a human soul, honestly beyond my experience, but we seem to have earned his trust. He sacrificed himself to save the entire world. I won't forget the words he taught me.
Aestra, a young elf apprenticed to an old master, kind of seems like he's just foisted her on us, but then again, there seems to be a lot at stake. We'll try to make her feel welcome.

Family Ties

None

Religious Views

Not a devout follower of any specific God, though he does on occasion pray to Pholixia or Jynva in the hopes that they may offer him some favour, hasn't worked...

Social Aptitude

Francis has had to develop impressive social skills for his own survival. On the streets he would act, lie and cheat to avoid confrontation, though as of late he has put these skills to use less frequently.

Hobbies & Pets

Loves to read, often fiction, obscure fairytales or mythological stories for instance. When he needs to, he can focus very effectively on research or learning.